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Microsoft already has a policy of requiring an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online multiplayer games on the Xbox 360. That policy is set to continue with the Xbox One, but Bethesda isn’t happy about it and is asking Microsoft to make an exception in their case.

The reason for the request is the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online MMO early next year. Bethesda has decided to charge a monthly subscription for the game, which will be available to play on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Bethesda doesn’t think it is fair to ask players to pay $15 a month to play, and then require an additional subscription charge for the game to function on the Xbox One.

Microsoft is apparently not entertaining the idea of dropping the requirement just for The Elder Scrolls Online, but Bethesda has stated it will continue to talk with Microsoft in a bid to change their minds. In the case of the PS4, which will have a similar subscription requirement for online play, Bethesda may see more success.

Free-to-play titles includes DC Universe Online and Planetside 2 won’t require PlayStation Plus to function. If Sony is willing to drop the requirement for those games, why not The Elder Scrolls Online? Sony also has an added incentive to work with Bethesda on this if it knows Microsoft refuses to drop the Xbox Live Gold requirement. By doing so, the game effectively becomes cheaper to play on the PS4 and could attract more players.

Ultimately, if either Sony or Microsoft agrees to drop the subscription requirement the other may have to do the same for fear of losing gamers to their rival. However, that $15 monthly charge could seriously limit the player base anyway.